Carlin, Nev., July 20, 2011 – The University of Nevada, Reno Fire Science Academy (FSA) is pleased to announce it has earned accreditation from the Committee on Accreditation of The Pro Board for industrial fire courses.

“Achieving Pro Board accreditation has been a primary focus of the FSA over the last year,” said Wayne Eder, director of the FSA, which is located just east of Carlin, NV “This important step supports our long-term strategy and enhances our already recognized position as a worldwide leader in the field of Industrial Emergency Response training.”

The Pro Board accredits organizations that use the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA's) professional qualification standards.

Incorporated in 1990 as the “National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications,” a non-profit corporation, the organization is commonly known as The Pro Board. A board of directors administers the system and currently consists of one member from the International Association of Arson Investigators, Inc. (IAAI), the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), the National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM), the NFPA, the North American Fire Training Directors (NAFTD), one member atlarge and the Chair of the Pro Board Advisory Committee. The Committee on Accreditation is charged with the task of accreditation through review of applications, site visits and implementation of policy set by the board of directors.

For fire service professionals, ProBoard recognized certification from an accredited entity is a statement of success and an indisputable mark of performance. Each successful candidate for certification from an accredited entity knows that he or she has completed a program that has been measured against peer programs and meets rigorous national standards. Certification affords the individual uniform and portable qualifications. In addition, the credibility of a fire service organization is enhanced by having members certified to national consensus standards.

George Quick, associate director for programs and operations. “The FSA will offer certification to our clients’ industrial fire brigade members through multiple training and testing programs based on the individual member’s level of knowledge and experience.”